Court Bars NLC, TUC And Three Others From Holding Strike Or Protest Against Wike

The National Industrial Court has granted an interim order stopping the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and three other parties from carrying out any strike or protest action.

The ruling followed an ex-parte application filed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, along with the FCT Administration.

In his decision, Justice Emmanuel Subilim directed the first to fifth respondents, including their agents and associates, not to embark on any industrial action until the pending motion on notice is heard.

He also instructed security agencies listed as the fifth to ninth defendants to ensure that law and order are maintained.

Counsel to Wike and the FCTA, Ogwu Onoja, told the court that the chairman of the FCT council had circulated a message mobilising members and affiliated unions for a mass protest planned for February 3.

He argued that the planned action went against an earlier court order.

According to him, after the court’s ruling on January 27, the order was served on the defendants the same day.

However, the NLC and TUC reportedly issued a joint statement urging their affiliates to continue and strengthen the strike.

The statement, signed by both unions, advised workers to resume the industrial action, noting that their lawyer, Femi Falana, had filed an appeal against the earlier court decision.

It was also stated that the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) released a circular directing employees to remain on strike, a move the applicants claimed could disrupt peace in the nation’s capital.

The case has been adjourned until February 10 for further hearing.

This comes after Nyesom Wike asked the National Industrial Court to jail FCTA workers who are currently on strike, accusing them of ignoring a court order.